In recent developments, a series of legal proceedings related to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have seen several notable figures indicted and arrested, amidst ongoing protests and cases stemming from events on May 9, 2023.
Indictment of PTI Leaders in GHQ Attack Case
On Thursday, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with more than 100 other PTI leaders and supporters, were formally indicted by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi. The charges stemmed from their alleged involvement in the violent attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi during protests triggered by Khan’s arrest on corruption charges. The attack on the GHQ, which was part of a broader wave of violent protests across Pakistan, included accusations of rebellion, terrorism, and conspiracy against the state.
Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned in Adiala Jail since August 2023, along with PTI leaders Omar Ayub, Raja Basharat, and Sheikh Rashid, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Despite their denial, the court proceeded with the indictment, which also involved several other PTI figures, including members of the National Assembly and former ministers.
In a separate development, police arrested several PTI leaders, including Omar Ayub and Raja Basharat, after their indictment. They were charged under various sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act, and their custody was transferred to police stations in Attock, Hazro, and Hassanabdal, where further investigations were underway.
Bushra Bibi Faces Arrest Warrant
In the Toshakhana case, which involves allegations about the sale of valuable gifts, including a Bulgari jewellery set, former First Lady Bushra Bibi was issued a non-bailable arrest warrant after her repeated absences from court. Bushra, the wife of Imran Khan, has failed to attend ten consecutive hearings, which led the court to question her lack of participation despite previous assurances. Her lawyer cited poor health as the reason for her absences, while the prosecution argued that her behavior showed a disregard for the legal process.
The court dismissed her request for exemption from personal attendance and issued a stern warning to her guarantor, stating that the surety bond could be forfeited if she failed to appear at the next hearing.
PTI Protests and Racial Profiling Allegations
In another related case, a special court in Islamabad granted a five-day remand for 146 PTI supporters arrested during protests at D-Chowk. PTI leader Shoaib Shaheen accused the police of racial profiling, claiming that individuals from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) were being arrested and detained based on their ethnicity. He further alleged that the police were violating privacy by checking the mobile phones of individuals, looking for evidence related to Imran Khan’s activities.
The court also heard arguments from defense lawyers who claimed that several individuals, including Afghan nationals, had been wrongfully detained without evidence or proper warrants. Judge Sipra emphasized the importance of impartiality in handling the case, pointing out that ethnic profiling was unacceptable and that the Pashtun community had suffered greatly from bomb blasts in the past.
Ongoing Legal Struggles
The legal battles for PTI leaders and supporters continue, with the GHQ attack case scheduled for further hearings on December 10. The prosecution has presented evidence of widespread damage, with the Punjab Home Department estimating losses at Rs1.67 billion, including 102 vehicles damaged and 26 buildings targeted. The case has drawn significant international attention, particularly from Indian media, due to the involvement of military installations.
Despite the ongoing trials, PTI continues to maintain that the state’s actions reflect a broader crackdown on their party and the political opposition. PTI leaders have condemned the arrests and indictments, describing the government’s actions as an attempt to suppress dissent and impose an undeclared martial law in the country. They argue that the cases against them are politically motivated and aimed at silencing opposition voices.
The legal and political situation remains tense in Pakistan, with PTI leaders facing serious charges and ongoing arrests. The government’s response to the protests and the legal challenges surrounding Imran Khan and his associates has sparked widespread controversy, leading to accusations of political repression and the erosion of democratic freedoms. The coming weeks will likely see further developments as the cases proceed through the courts, with both sides gearing up for a prolonged legal battle.
